Jordan is to host a high-level security meeting on Sunday with Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Lebanon to discuss security co-operation amid the worst fighting the country has suffered since the fall of the Assad regime in December.
“The kingdom will host a meeting of Syria's neighbouring countries to discuss operational mechanisms for co-operation in combating terrorism, drug and arms smuggling, and confronting other common challenges,” the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The talks take place as more than 1,000 people, including 745 mostly Alawite civilians, were killed in clashes between Syrian security forces and remnants linked to ousted president Bashar Al Assad, amid a wave of sectarian-fuelled revenge killings across the coastal area.
The meeting is aimed at supporting Syria’s reconstruction, counter terrorism, to ensure the voluntary return of refugees, according to the ministry's representative Sufian Qudah. He added that Jordan supports Syria's interim government’s efforts to safeguard security, stability and territorial unity. He also condemned any foreign interference in the country and attempts to destabilise the state.
He urged for the need to intensify regional efforts in rebuilding the Syrian state.
Jordanian officials have said they were ready to help Syria rebuild and promised to help it ease its acute power shortages by supplying it with electricity and gas.
It is expected that foreign and defence ministers will attend the meeting and head of intelligence of the four states in Amman.
Last month, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Syria’s interim President Ahmad Al Shara agreed to work together to secure their common border against arms and drug trafficking.
The leaders said that co-ordination was crucial for border security and for curbing arms and drug smuggling, a phenomenon that Jordan struggled to contain along its border during the rule of Mr Al Assad.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last month, that the four countries would take steps towards jointly combating ISIS in the region and they aimed to hold a first meeting on the issue in Jordan.
In December, Jordan hosted the first international conference on Syria a week after the offensive that forced Mr Al Assad to flee the country.
Officials in Amman say they want to see a peaceful political transition in Syria, fearing a return of chaos and instability along its borders.
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
Business Insights
As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
While you're here
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
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Starting price: Dh79,000
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
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Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now